Question on zoom focal lengths

[Paul_O]

Hello All,
Having just purchased a 70-300 IS USM (love it !) for my 300D, I now have some overlap in focal lengths betwen my 18-55 3.5-5.6 kit lens, 28-90 4-5.6 kit lens and the 70-300. The question is, if I'm taking some static photo's at let's say a film equivalent 80mm focal length would I be better off using the 18-55 almost at full zoom or the 28-90 more in it's mid range ? The same question would apply if I wanted to use approx 120mm focal length, would I be better using the 28-90 or 70-300. I've read that the 70-300 softens up above 200mm but does this generally apply to most low level zooms across the board at both ends of the zoom range ?

I look forward to your feedback

Paul

[robertwgross]

For most lenses, a highly-optically-rated lens will outperform a cheap-low-rated lens. That is what you pay money for. Also, most lenses do better in the middle third of their focal length zoom range. Some lenses get downright bad at the very ends of their range.

So, start with your best lens, get it to the right focal length you need, and then compare the others to it with the same focal length. Then make your choice.

If there is a dim light problem, most f/2.8 lenses will knock the socks off some f/4 or f/5.6 lens.

---Bob Gross---